The Longwood Central School District celebrated student character and community spirit during the inaugural Middle Island Teachers’ Association “Lions of Distinction” Student Award Ceremony at Longwood Junior High School.
A total of 108 students, ranging from kindergarten through 12th grade, were honored for embodying the district’s core values of curiosity, responsibility, respect, citizenship and leadership. Teachers selected the students based on the positive impact they make in their classrooms and school communities each day.
The ceremony featured performances by student musicians as well as a lively set by a band made up of MITA teachers, who performed “All the Small Things” by Blink-182 and “Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes.
The evening also included a heartfelt tribute to former student Nolan Horn, with four students receiving the Nolan Horn Memorial Award in his honor.
Brookhaven Town Supervisor Daniel Panico praised the event and the students recognized throughout the night.
“I attended this event, the inaugural Middle Island Teachers Association ‘Lions of Distinction’ Student Award Ceremony, which was an absolutely touching and well-coordinated event honoring those kids who light up the classroom with positivity and joy,” Panico said. “If you are a Lion, a parent of a Lion or resident in the Longwood Central School District, you would have been incredibly proud of the program and care put together in your school district.”
Representatives from the offices of Senator Dean Murray, Senator Anthony Palumbo, Councilman Michael Loguercio and Supervisor Panico attended the ceremony. Certificates recognizing each honoree were also provided by Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay, Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio, Assemblyman Joe DeStefano and Congressman Nick LaLota.
District officials thanked MITA for establishing what they hope will become a lasting tradition celebrating student character and achievement.